Cigarette, daydream and poetry ( A DPS fanfiction ) Charlie x OC

The lake

Margaret had erased the kiss from her concerns; she preferred to ignore her feelings as it seemed much safer, certainly cowardly, and she refused to let her emotions cause her pain. She was used to dating people she had little interest in, and if by chance, Charlie shared the love she had for him, she would be at a loss, perhaps happy, but she would be afraid, and she was aware of that. That's why she made these thoughts disappear from her mind; she wanted to avoid all possible pain. She didn't dare to meet Mr. Keating's gaze anymore either, not wanting to imagine what he thought of her now.

Mr. Keating loved organizing unconventional activities, and once again, the lesson took place outside. Keating asked Knox, Cameron, and Pitts to walk around the small space designated for them, and that's what they did. At first, they each walked at a different pace, but they eventually synchronized, walking to the same rhythm, which was followed by the other students who in turn clapped their hands to the same beat. Encouraged by their teacher, they repeated a little tune until he told them to stop.

The teacher described what had just happened and saw in it a perfect example of conformity:

"We all need to be accepted, but be sure that your convictions are unique, even if they seem abnormal or if the crowd says 'it's wrong.' Robert Frost said, 'Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by.'"

Then, Mr. Keating asked them to find their own walk, their own pace, and encouraged them to walk on the pavement, seeking their way of walking. Everyone started walking normally or extravagantly, which made them all laugh, except Charlie, who decided to "assert his right to immobility."

The exercise was interesting, and the students were once again surprised and delighted by this class, which only Mr. Keating could deliver. They left as soon as the bell rang, almost reluctantly, but before Margaret could leave, her teacher stopped her for a moment to talk.

"Sir, if it's about the other night, I can explain everything," she tried to justify herself.

"Yes, but don't worry, miss. Your private life concerns only you, and I just wanted you to know that I won't say a word to the administration."

"I hope so, but... I didn't want you to think false things about me. You see... nothing happened that night at all. Charlie was just accompanying me to my room, and we didn't do anything."

"I'm convinced."

She nodded and smiled at him, but before she could leave, he added:

"A few weeks ago, you told me you always hid your emotions, so if I may, miss, I hope you don't do the same with Mr. Dalton. He's a good boy, and it would be a shame to waste your friendship."

With that, he left, leaving Margaret in a state of great confusion. A few days later, at dusk, the young girl was walking with Knox along the lake that bordered the school. They had found confidants in each other and shared their problems while strolling. The next day, Knox was supposed to go to Chris's party, and he was extremely stressed about it. He didn't know how he should act, and Margaret was trying to give him advice.

"But imagine she doesn't want me, Maggie! I would die for sure!"

"If by chance Chris rejects you, remember that there are plenty of other pretty girls in this country. Of course, it will take you months to get over it, but I'll support you, and you'll eventually find someone else."

"I don't want anyone else but her..."

Margaret tried to convince him, but he seemed sure that his love would be reciprocated and that Chris was the girl of his dreams. On their way, they ended up stopping on a wooden platform placed on the water. This is where Neil would come to rehearse his theater with Todd and his sister. The young girl stepped forward and stood on the edge of the wood, breathing in the air deeply to relax.

Suddenly, she heard a crack, and before she could move, she was petrified by a horrible shiver, and the cold invaded her body as she plunged into the lake with no way to fight it. Knox widened his eyes and rushed to the edge of the water, hoping to see Margaret resurface. She emerged and struggled not to drown, but she couldn't swim, and the cold had shocked her so much that she couldn't understand what was happening. Knox managed to grab her arm and pull her out of the water. Without losing a second, he helped her up and headed towards the school.

She couldn't understand what was happening to her. In no time, she found herself in the room where the students gathered in the evening to chat and play. All her friends arrived, and Knox ordered them to fetch blankets and entrusted their young friend to Charlie.

Charlie took her in his arms, and from that moment, she began to regain her senses. He brought her near the fireplace, where a small fire was burning, and without hesitation, she nestled a little more into the crook of his neck as he tried to warm her up as best he could. She was trembling tremendously, and despite being freezing, she couldn't help but blush at Charlie's touch. He placed a kiss on her forehead and then on her neck, entirely innocently, to warm her. He suddenly realized what he had just done and blushed as well. Margaret lifted her head to look into his eyes, and she couldn't help but remember their kiss.

As they were both lost in each other's eyes, the rest of their friends arrived with blankets, and Neil said:

"We should call an adult..."

"No! The teachers mustn't find out that I hang out with you!"

"Not even Mr. Keating?" asked Pitts.

Margaret hesitated, then agreed to call Mr. Keating. He came as quickly as he could, took the young girl's temperature, and told her to stay warm. He gave some instructions to the boys on how to take care of her. That evening, the whole group took care of Margaret, which delighted her because she could see how much they cared about her.